Several weeks ago I had a gig where I photographed actor headshots for some aspiring actors at Algonquin College during an open casting call with Smyth Casting. I was there all day, and I was really shocked at the large number of people who showed up to do an audition. I had a fun time working with the actors I had scheduled for that day, but it was a long day and hard on the back. I don't want to talk negatively about anybody so I won't get into the details. However, I just want to say I learned a hard lesson about what jobs to take and to always trust your gut. People who you think you know aren't always what they appear. Ego is a vicious disease. It is rare to find people that will genuinely want to help you out, and when you do be careful they are not trying to screw you. Anyhow, I have a day job that pays the bills, so I can afford to be selective on the photography jobs I take and like I am say how I truly feel and only worry a little about the consequence. This enables me to be passionate about what I photograph and to always provide my best work. I worked hard for what little I have, and I will never let anybody treat me like I am nobody begging for scraps. To those who are successful at what you do, remember you were once a nobody too. So pay it forward - genuinely.
Despite all that riding over my head, I did still manage to stay professional and have a good time. I was still able to provide these actors the actor headshots they needed. Here are the men...
